Chlamydia – Just The Facts

September 14, 2015
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What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It is the most commonly reported STD in the United States and is considered a silent disease because 75% of women and 50% of men never display symptoms, resulting in many people unknowingly spreading the disease.


How can I get Chlamydia?

You can get Chlamydia by engaging in vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who already has it. If your sex partner is male, you can get it even if they don’t ejaculate.


Am I at risk?

Any sexually active person can get Chlamydia when they engage in sex with someone who has it. Sexually active young people are at a higher risk of getting a STD, including Chlamydia. CDC states there are currently 110 million people infected with a STD and 20 million new infections yearly.


Can it affect my baby if I’m pregnant?

Untreated Chlamydia has been linked to problems during pregnancy including preterm labor and low birth weight. Chlamydia can also be passed to your baby during delivery, and if untreated can result in eye and lung infections. All pregnant women should be tested for Chlamydia at least once, and possibly more if they are at high risk.


Common symptoms of Chlamydia

Often there are no symptoms present in those infected with Chlamydia. If there are symptoms, they differ in men and women.


Symptoms in men:

  • Discharge from penis
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Burning and/or itching around the penis opening.


Symptoms in women:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Abdominal pain or back pain
  • Pain during intercourse


Rectal Infections:

  • Discharge
  • Rectal pain
  • Bleeding


How can I know if I’m infected?

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure. If you are showing any symptoms, or think you are at risk, you should get tested. A simple urine test is the most common way to test for Chlamydia.


Can Chlamydia be cured?

Yes, with the proper treatment Chlamydia can be cured once diagnosed. It is important for you to take all medication prescribed to cure the infection and that you not share your medication with anyone else. Medication can stop the infection, but it cannot undo any permanent damage caused by the disease. Repeat infection is common, so you should be tested again about 3 months after treatment even if your partner was treated.


What if I don’t get treated?

If untreated, not only will you spread the disease if you continue to be sexually active, but it can have lasting affects on your health. In women, it can spread to you uterus and fallopian tubes causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can result in the formation of scar tissue that block the fallopian tubes, an ectopic pregnancy, infertility and long-term pelvic and/or abdominal pain. In men, there are fewer long-term health problems. It can spread to the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles resulting in pain and fever. Occasionally it can result in men being unable to have children. Left untreated it may also increase your risk of getting HIV.


At Collage we care about you and want you to have all the information you need to take care of yourself when it comes to your sexual health. If you think you might have Chlamydia, we offer complimentary STD testing and treatment at no cost to you. We’d love to have you come in for a test and to answer any questions you may have.

What Can Guys Do with an Unexpected Pregnancy?

By Kirsten Berns • October 28, 2025
Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity.  Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.